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Which Puppy Would You Choose

2 puppies from the same litter. 7 weeks old Friday. First puppy born is an explorer, not shy at all, digs pheasant wings and is outgoing, very friendly and EIC carrier. Other puppy is not as outgoing, a little timid but not overly, kind of a follower, not as outgoing but not terrible. Shy's away from puppy conflict. About 2 lbs smaller than other puppy. 1st puppy weighs 11.75lbs at 6.5 weeks. 2nd puppy weighs 9.5lbs. The plan is to run Hunt Tests and possibly derby's and pheasant hunt approximately 35-40 days and duck hunt 5-10 days in the fall. And if she gets all clearances, breeding her to a title EIC clear dog in 2-4 years. Which would you choose and why?

I am not a pro and don't do this regularly but I can tell you what I've learned from folks on this site... It's all a crap shoot. Some of the best dogs have been the last dog picked in the litter. In theory, people would probably tell you to pick the less shy one if you plan to run derby's etc. It maybe hedges your bet a little but again, still a crap shoot. Most importantly, and what you have already done, just look at the breeding first...if the breeding is good then all the puppies should do just fine. Someone once told me to find the best litter and just close your eyes and pick one because puppies personalities change daily.

myself, I would probably pick the bolder pup because I want one that is confident (not pushy!) around all the situations that I would put her in. A female EIC carrier would not bother me-.
Not saying the 2nd pup is a dud either- once she is pulled from her litter, she could very likely start to shine.

If there is anything I have learned from being around and training animals most of my life, it is that you can't make broad determinations at that age. You can only do your best to pick well bred animals whose parentage present the traits you are looking for. What truly separates the greats are intangibles anyway. Things like heart, desire, determination, grit, uncanny ability to step up when "the lights come on". These aren't traits you can assess in a 7 week old pup, nor a yearling colt. On top of all that they change over time. The bold pup may through his socialization period have an event that alters his naturally bold nature. That "follower" as he matures may become emboldened and want to lead at all times.

So in short, if you like the breeding, grab one and enjoy the journey.

The best lab I EVER had was Sable. When she was just apup she shyed away from just about everything except me. Well long story short she was the smartest, most loving dog I have ever had.
So like others have said it is a crap shoot. use your best judgement and go for it.

Just by the descriptions, I figure your favoring puppy #1. All the words used describing puppy 1 are positive and upbeat, the other pup's descriptions are pup 2 is lacking in this and that, but not that bad. Seems to me the choice is already made, go with you gut, take pup #1

"They's Just DAWGS"
"Hunting is a skill to be learned whether you do it early or late it still needs to be learned"
"I train dogs, Not papers"